RSF protests against jailing of journalists

 

IBM Launches New Thinkpad in the Middle East

 



Dubai-UAE, 6th February 2003- IBM Middle East announced today a new ThinkPad R40 notebook computer equipped with three major new technologies – a comprehensive new approach to wireless leadership, easier access to service and support, and a broad set of usability improvements. The new ThinkPad notebook now also offers three variations of its popular "red-button" TrackPoint cursor-control device. Starting at just 2.5 kg (5.6 pounds) 1 and
offering up to four hours of battery life 2, the ThinkPad R40 offers technologies designed to help seamlessly integrate personal computers in networks that are becoming self-maintaining, highly dynamic, and responsive to regularly changing customer requirements.

 

"We have added new and faster wireless network access, security and cursor control features to the ThinkPad R40 notebook that will make this notebook even more desirable for businesses and consumers in the Middle East,” said Sameh Farid, regional manager of personal systems division, IBM Middle East. “Some of these fantastic new technologies include the Access IBM button which automatically connects the user to diagnostic tools and online help pages, and the new version of Access Connections which senses available wireless bandwidth and shifts between them depending on signal strength and traffic.”

 

Redefining Wireless Leadership in Notebooks


In wireless technology, the IBM ThinkPad R40 notebook redefines leadership with a comprehensive new approach that includes dual-band WiFi technology3, an innovative antenna design, and an exciting new version of IBM Access Connections. For the first time, IBM is offering dual WiFi connectivity based on IEEE 802.11 a/b standards. This takes advantage of the improved speed and number of transmission channels available with the new IEEE
802.11a standard, while maintaining compatibility with existing IEEE 802.11b-based networks. These new wireless-upgradable ThinkPad notebooks feature the IBM UltraConnect Antenna built into the display cover for optimal signal reception. The antenna supports multiple frequencies to optimise coverage and performance for improved wireless LAN connectivity
worldwide, including both IEEE 802.11a and b. In addition, 802.11 a/b models of the ThinkPad R40 notebook are equipped with the IBM Access Connections Version 2.5 location manager utility, which enables the notebook to automatically sense a wired or wireless LAN connection and switch between them based on priority or speed. This means users can move seamlessly from a wired office connection to a wireless LAN campus connection, without manually switching network settings. The ThinkPad R40 also offers models based on IEEE 802.11b or 802.11b Cisco Aironet. Select ThinkPad R40 models equipped with both WLAN technology and IBM's Embedded Security Subsystem (ESS) 4 can augment the security of the WLAN by storing IEEE 802.1x authentication credentials, such as digital certificates, with the security
subsystem. Another security enhancement is the inclusion of Cisco LEAP support for 802.11 a/b models. This is important for customers who are using a Cisco wireless infrastructure with LEAP security and need a notebook that supports 802.11a with LEAP. For those who choose integrated wireless later, IBM also offers wireless upgradable models.

 

A New Tool to Help Limit Downtime


The IBM ThinkPad R40 now offers the new Access IBM button, a "portal to IBM support" that taps into a rich set of onboard resources, diagnostic tools, automated solutions, and links to updates and service on-line 5. Access IBM is joined on all new Think notebook and desktop personal computers by RapidRestore PC, which provides a one-button disaster recovery solution and can restore previously saved data, settings and applications after a software failure. Both Access IBM and RapidRestore PC help limit downtime, maximizing productivity and helping reduce expensive support costs.

 

Making ThinkPad Notebooks Easier to Use


Since its launch in 1992, the IBM ThinkPad notebook has offered TrackPoint -- a small, red, joystick-like cursor-control device. Users will now have a choice of three red TrackPoint caps -- the original dome, a new slightly softer dome, and a soft rim with a completely new shape. Based on extensive ergonomic research, the new caps provide additional choice in the feel of the award-winning ThinkPad keyboard.Choice among cursor-control devices is only one of large set of usability enhancements to the new ThinkPad R Series. It also offers high-resolution 15-inch XGA or SXGA+ high-resolution screens in addition to 14-inch choices; two USB 2.0 ports for faster data transfer and communications with USB 2.0-enabled peripherals; and new hot-swappable Ultrabay optical drives -- or the option of a second battery in that drive. Users who prefer IEEE 1394 "Firewire" ports can also order that option. Additionally, IBM ThinkPad
notebooks and IBM desktop PCs are equipped to take full advantage of ImageUltra, IBM's innovative, patented image management technology and services designed to lower costs by reducing the number of the software images managed by IT departments. The wireless UltraConnect Antenna, Access Connections, the Embedded Security Subsystem, Access IBM, RapidRestore PC, and Ultrabay are all unique to IBM's new Think strategy in personal computing.

 

Other IBM Announcements


IBM Middle East today is also announcing the availability of several new options designed to make mobile computing even easier. The new ThinkPad Port Replicator II includes simplified cable management, pass-through port replication and a USB port. The new ThinkPad Mini Dock includes full port replication, a four-port USB 2.0 hub, as well as system security (with a
key lock, integrated system support tray and slots for a cable lock). Both the mini-dock and port replicator will provide compatibility with future ThinkPad models 6. IBM also unveiled today the new 64- and 256-megabyte USB 2.0 memory storage keys, simplifying and accelerating the task of storing and transferring data 7. The new keys also allow users to define a secure,
encrypted area for 64 megabytes and 256 megabytes of data. keralamonitor.com

 

Media Monitor

CHAD: RSF protests against jailing of journalists

 

ABIDJAN, 7 February (IRIN) - Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF - Reporters without Borders) has condemned the sentencing of two journalists from the Chadian weekly, Notre Temps, to six months in prison for an article published in their periodical. The weekly's publisher, Nadjikimo Benoudjita, and its editor-in-chief, Mbainaye Betoubam, were also ordered on Thursday to pay damages worth over US $3,000 and suspended from exercising their profession for eight months by a court in Ndjamena, the Chadian capital. The court ordered the weekly closed for three months.

 

"Nothing justifies this decision," RSF Secretary-General Robert Menard said in a letter to Chadian President Idriss Deby. "Whatever the content of the offending article, imprisoning these two journalists is not acceptable." He added that "imprisonment as a condemnation of the peaceful expression of an opinion constitutes a severe violation of human rights". According to RSF, the two journalists had been sued by Hadjé Billy Douga, director of social affairs at the Ministry for Social Action and Women and mother-in-law of the president, for an article which reported that after losing a quantity of jewels, she had had the presumed thieves tortured.

 

The weekly also reported that one of the men had died as a result of the torture whereas the police said his death had been caused by an incurable illness. The two journalists said at the trial that their information had come from the records of the Ndjamena Appeal Court

keralamonitor.com